Loose forward Shannon Frizell returns from his All Blacks break to take his place at number eight for the Highlanders Super Rugby clash with the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday morning.
Fellow flanker Elliot Dixon is being rested while Dillon Hunt completes a new look backrow with James Lentjes heading to the bench.
Josh Dickson and Tom Franklin will lock the scrum and Tyrel Lomax replaces Siate Tokolahi at tighthead.
In the backs, Waisake Naholo, returns from a lengthy injury break and is on the bench.
Teihorangi Walden will partner with Rob Thompson in the midfield and Patelesio Tomkinson will move to the wing to cover for the injured Tevita Li.
Daniel Hollinshead will again start at first-five.
